Obama steps away from politics in troop visit

5/1/12 10:23 PM EDT

(White House photo)

President Barack Obama delivered an address to troops in the middle of the night in Afghanistan, stepping away from the political issues that followed him on his unannounced visit to the region and instead focusing on thanking them for their service.

“I’m going to have the opportunity to address the nation from Bagram just in a little bit, and it’s going to be broadcast back home during primetime,” the president said. “So all I want to do is just say thank you.”

Obama announced the Strategic Partnership Agreement he signed with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to turn over responsibility for the nation’s security, but did not mince words about the road ahead, as POLITICO's Jennifer Epstein reported.

“I want you to understand, I know it's still tough,” Obama said. “I know the battle is not yet over. Some of your buddies are going to get injured, and some of your buddies may get killed. And there’s going to be heartbreak and pain and difficulty ahead. But there’s a light on the horizon because of the sacrifices you’ve made.”

Obama said the gains in Afghanistan and the killing of Osama bin Laden were thanks to the efforts of the servicemembers there.

“Each and every one of you -- without a lot of fanfare, without a lot of fuss -- you did your jobs,” he said. “No matter how small or how big, you were faithful to the oath that you took to protect this nation.”

The president also said he and first lady Michelle Obama are “looking after” the families of the troops while they’re away, and promised not to forget the debt owed to those who fight.

“We are going to be there for you when you’re in uniform and we will stay there for you when you’re out of uniform,” Obama said. “Because you’ve earned it; you earned a special place in our hearts. And I could not be prouder to be your Commander-in-Chief.

“God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. Now I want to shake some hands.”

He gave his remarks at 1:21 a.m. local time on May 2, then visited a hospital on base and handed out 10 Purple Hearts before delivering his prime time address.